CA2184118A1 - Coupling device for bicycles - Google Patents
Coupling device for bicyclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2184118A1 CA2184118A1 CA002184118A CA2184118A CA2184118A1 CA 2184118 A1 CA2184118 A1 CA 2184118A1 CA 002184118 A CA002184118 A CA 002184118A CA 2184118 A CA2184118 A CA 2184118A CA 2184118 A1 CA2184118 A1 CA 2184118A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bicycle
- bar
- attachment
- stabilizing
- arm
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K13/00—Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle
- B62K13/02—Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle to a tandem
- B62K13/025—Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle to a tandem from two or more cycles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K27/00—Sidecars; Forecars; Trailers or the like specially adapted to be attached to cycles
- B62K27/003—Trailers
- B62K27/006—Trailers having a single wheel
Abstract
A coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both the bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on corresponding axles, both the bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of the bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tube. The coupling device includes a linking bar, a first bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the first bicycle; a second bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the second bicycle. One of the main features of the device is a wheel supporting component for releasably supporting the front wheel of the second bicycle. Another main feature of the device is a stabilizing component for stabilizing the handlebar of the second bicycle when the linking bar is attached to the second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to the second bicycle. The stabilizing component includes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of stabilizing adapters, the stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of the first bicycle. Each of the stabilizing arms is pivotally attached to the linking bar. Each of the stabilizing arm is provided with an arm attachment component adjacent the arm distal end for selectively attaching the arm distal end to the forked yoke of the second bicycle and to one of the stabilizing adapters.
Description
C~2~41 1~
Patellt Application of France Couture for a Coupling Device for Bicycles Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the fielcl of bicycles arld is ~ ulally concerned with a device for coupling a pair of bicycles.
I~a~,h~u. .d of the Invention:
Relatively recent trends towards ecological modes of 1l,."~l,..,1~';.~.. and towards improved fitness through e~ercise have led to a resurgence in the use of bicycles. There also seems to be a relatively recent trend towards group activities and more specifically towards activities performed with other members of the family unit.
t has thus become vl~' frequen~ for an healthy person to go for a cycling ride ' by a child, an elderly person or any other person having limited physical capacities.
I
~`A21~41 1~
Wl~en such a situation occurs, the bicycle ride must either be planned so as to be within the capacities of the weaiker person or frequent restmg periods must be pla~med to allow the weaker person to rest. Both options can lead to frustration since the weat~er person will feel pressured to perform beyond his or her limits, the stronger pcrson will feel restrained amd both persons will be prevented from enjoymg together a relatively long ride.
The prior art is replete with various types of seats for allowmg a child or any other physically weaker person to passively accompany a llealthy rider. Most seats are located above the rear wheel or the handlebars of the principle lider. These designs however have been known to lo raise the centre of gravity of the bicycle am~ to potentially contribute to an upset.
The prior art is also replete with various structures of bicyde trailers allowing a rider to tow one or more children. These structures are i ypically more expensive but offer the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and of ', ' rolling elements for the trailer.
The mam d;DaJv ,, associated with both the seat structures and the trailer structures is that thc child or other weaker person must remain passive throughout the ride. The person bemg carried or towed cam thus rapidly become t~ored. The person bemg carried or towed also does not ~ from the health advantages of physical exercise.
This drawback has been recog[used m US patent 5,067,738 naming Richard J. O'Connor as mventor and issued November 26, 1991. US patent 5,067,738 teaches a single wheeled trailer for cai~rymg an occupant. The frame of the trailer mcludes tow bar members and two ~A21841 18 ~y ' fork members for retairling the sirlgle wheel. A hilch connected to a driving bicycle tows the trailer. A pedal assembly coupled to the frame enables the occupant to power the trailer wheel.
Although the structure disclosed in US patent 5,067,738 enables the occnpant of the trailer to either help power the bicycle or be towecl by the prime mover, it suffers from at least one major drawback. rndeed, the structure d(~es not allow the occupant of the trailer to ride y ~rom the prime mover even for a short period of time.
10 The prior art also disdoses various types of towing bars for coupling two bicycles as a tandem. For eIcample, US patent 4,261,592 issued April 14 1981 and nammg Jacclues Busseuil as inventor discloses a coupling clevice wherein a coupling bar is fixed to each of a pair of bicycle by a universal joint havrng a specific ~ Although these structures circumvent the above-mentioned disad~au~ by allowing the person to be towed to ride ; l.l)r...ll ~1y~ they present still further diD~IdV....~ . First, when the bicycles are coupled, the front wheel of the bicycle being towed even though useless as a steering component still creates a frictional and a drag force that mc.reases the load on the pulling rider.
Second, if the bicycles are eventually separated during thc ride, the coupling device must be 20 disengaged from both bicycles and carlied by one of the riders, a task that is both non ergonomic amd potentially dangerous.
~A21841 18 Third, the coupling device is not well sui~ed to couplmg bicycles ~f different, and sizes as is the case when an adult bicycle is coupled to the bicycle of a child.
Accordingly, there e~ists a need for an ml~rovcd coupling device for bicyclcs.
Summary of the Invention:
It is an objcct of the present mvcntion to provide an improved couplmg device for bicycles.
10 According to one aspect of the prcsent irlvention, there is provided a coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on co~ idil-~ axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames mcluding a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tui~e, said coupling device comprising:
a lirlking bar, said linking bar having a ~enerally elongated, ' ~ ~- defining a bar first lon~if~ end and a bar second l~n~itl ' ' end; a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first !nn~it~ end; a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said 20 second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacer~t said bar second !on~itl.-1in~l end; a wheel supporting means for releasably supporting the front wheel of said second bicycle, said wheel supporting means being positioned ;~ said bar first 1 end and said bar second 1~ Igi~ ' ' end; whereby, when said device is ~ CA2184t~
coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
Preferably, said wheel supporting means includes a wheel supporting plate secured to said linkirlg bar; said wheel supporting plate having a plate outer peripheral edge and a plate slot extending inwardly from said plate outer peripheral edge; whereby said plate slot is adapted to receive the axle of the rront wheel of said seco~d bicycle.
Cc,..v~ ully, the wheel supporting plate is positioned so as to lie in a generally lo horizontal plane when said coupling device is in use.
Preferably, the device further comprises a stabilizing means for stabilizing the handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said bar stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
Cc,l.~,...k,u~ly, said stabilizing meams illcludes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of 20 stabilizing adapters, said stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of said first bicycle; ~ach of said stabilizing arms having a generally elongated ~. ," r~ defimiûg an arm proximal end and an arin distal end, each of said stabilizing arm being pivotally attached adjacent said arm proximal end to said linking ~A21~41 18 bar, each of said stabilizing arm being provided with an arm attachment means adjacent said arm distal end for selectivoly attachi,ng said arm distal end to the forked yoke of said second bicycle and to one of said stabili~:irlg adapters.
Preferably, each of said arm attachment means includes at least t vo adjustment apertures extending through said alm distal segml~nt, said adjustment apertures being in a spaced apart and aligned ltila~iu~lll~ relatively to one another; a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment lo component including am attachment axl~, extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a cam lever assembly mounled at a first end of said attachmcnt axle,a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
C~ . 'y, said linking bar defines a first bar segment, sai~ first bar segment being adapted to extend in a genorally horizontal direction and in an overlying .~ "~l,;l.
relatively to the rear wheel of said first bicycle when said device is in use; a second bar segment extending integrally from said ~ïrst bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segmellt so as to extend sl~h~ ly rear~vardly and d~. I,waldly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use; a third bar 20 segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction ' 'Iy parallel to said first bar segment.
Preferably, said wheel supporting means is secured to said bar first segment.
Preferably, said first attachrnent means includes a first bar attachment component amd a first bicycle attachment ~ou p- '; said first bar attachment component including a first forked extension that extends integrally ~rom said bar first lor~ lrlir~ end; said first bar attachment component defming a pair of substamtially parallel and spaced apart first extension tongues; said frst extensiDn tongues defining a first tongue spacing b~,h.~ -, each first extension tongue having a first tongue aperture extending 10 11l~l1 ' uugh, said first tongue apertures being substantially coaxially aligned along a first attachment pivoting axis; said first bicycle attachment component including a cylindrical collar and a first connecting block ext,nding integrally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of said collar; said cylindrical collar being configured and sized so as to be fittingly insertable around a sectio~l of the seat post of said first bicycle; said collar having a 11 j' ' ' slot formed thereirl for allowing lateral insertion of said collar over said seat post; a pair of tightening lips extending integrally and outwardly from said peripheral edges of said slot; a tightening aperture extending through each lip; said tightening apertures being adapted to receive a bolt for tightening said collar around said seat post; said first connecting block havmg a first block aperture extending 20 Ih~ uo..gh; said first block aperture being positioned so as to ~e coaxially aligned with said first attachment pivoting axis when said frst connecting block is positioned m said first tongue spacing; said first attachment means further comprising a first attachment ~ CA21 8~
cornponent for pivotally and releasably commecting said first connecting block to said first extcnsion tongues.
Cc,u~. ~S/~ said first attachment component includes a first attachment axle having a carn lever assembly mounted at a frrst Irn3j~ ' ' end thereof amd wherein a first attachment nut assembly having cu...~ io.. washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the second lon~ rlin~l end of said first attachment axle; said first attachlnent axle being adapted to be inserted through both said frst block aperture and said first tongue apertures for releasably and pivotally comnecting said first commecting lo block to said first extension tongues.
Preferably, said second attachment means includes a secon~ bar attachment component and a second bicycle attachment, I , said second bar attachment component including a second forked extension extending integrally from said bar second ' end; said second bar attachment component defining a pair of l 'Iy parallel and spaced apart second exte~nsion tongues said second extension tongues defining a second tongue 11-~ ..~, each second extension tongue having a second tongue aperture extending Ih..~ 1., said second tongue apertures bemg sl~hct~ntiz~lly coaxially aligned along a second at~achment pivoting axis; said second bicycle 20 attachment component including a clarnping member and a second connectmg block extending integrally and outwardly frorn the outer peripheral surface of said clamping member; said clamping member being configured and si~ed so as to be insertable around a section of the head tube of said second bicycle; said clamping member including a first ~ ~A218~ 18 clamp plate and a second clamp plate; ~loth said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate being bent so as to define a concavity their respective inner surfaces; said concavity being configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the head tube of a bicycle; said first clamp plate having a first plate ape]tures extending 11,~.~ ' JUæL adjacent both of its 1,,,,~;1,..l 1 erlds; said second clamp plate having a second plate aperture extending tl~ lluuu~ll adjacent both of its longit~ l ends; each first plate aperture being positioned so as to be s..hst~nti~lly coaxial with a co~ ,uol~lil.g second plate aperture when said first clamp plate is put subst~untially in register with said second clamp plate;
each pair of pair of first plate aperture and :UII~ Ulldi~, second plate aperture being lo adapted to receive a clamp bolt amd a ,UIll -r ~ ~ clamp nut; said clamp bolts and clamp nuts being adapted to squeeze said first clamp plate amd said second clamp plate around the head tube of said second bicycle; said second connecting block extending from the outer surface of said first clamp plate; said secondl connecting block having a second block aperture extending IL~ u~ said second block aperture being positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with said second attachment pivoting axis when said second commecting block is positioned in said secorld tongue spacing; said second attachment means further comprising a second commecting component for pivotally and releasably connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
20 Preferably, said second connecting component includes a second commecting axle having a cam lever assembly mounted at a first lon~itl ' I end thereof; a second commecting nut assembly having I , ~;UII washers moumted therein being threadaly attached to the second 1/ ~ " ' end of said second commecting axle; said second connectmg axle "A2t 8~ t 8 being adapted to be imserted through both said second block aperture and said second tongue apertures for releasably and pivo tally connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
According to a second aspect of the in~ention, there is provided a coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bi~ycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on ~;O~ ' v axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tul~e, said coupling device ~
10 a linking bar, said linking bar having a ,,enerally elongated . . ., ,ri~ ., . ,.l ;~.,. defining a bar first Ir~ end and a bar second hmsi~ " ' end; a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attachmg said linking bar t~ said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first l~ end; a second bicycle attachment means fol pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second I ~ ' ' end; a stabili~ing means for stabilizing ithe handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicyde and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said bar stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
Advantages of the present invention mcludli the fact that the coupling device not only enables the occupant of the bicycle being towed to either help power the tandem or be towed by the prime mover but also enables the occupanl: of the bicycle being towed to ride ;~ IY
GA2184~ 18 frorn the prime mover. A child, for example, gomg on a ride with a parent can thus first ride along with the parent with the bicycles uncoupled, and when the child becomes tired, the bicycles c;m be coupled so as to allow the ~hild to rest.
Another advantage is that with the present mvention, when a pair of bicydes are coupled, the front wheel of the bicycle being pulled is removed and passively carried by the coupling device thus reducing frictional amd drag force that would other~vise create an additional load for the pulling rider. Also, since the front wheel of the bicycle being pulled is removed, the risk of that front wheel creating a turning force that could destabilise the tandem is eliminated.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the coupling device is structured so as to stabilise thc handlebars of the bicycle bemg pulled, thus allowing the rider bemg pulled to use the handlebars for support.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that the device cam be removed from the bicycle being pulled and still remain stably attached to the other bicycle. Thus, the bicycles can easily be uncoupled during a ride without the necd for one of the riders to manually carry the couplmg device. r~lL~I.IIolti, the coup:lmg device can remain 1,, '~, attæhed to the pullirlg bicycle thus reducimg the time required to couple the bicycles.
Other more general advantages of the present mvention include the fact that the coupling device cm be readily coupled to mot ~.O...~ iOllal bicycles. It can be Il~ lr~ .1 usmg Il O CA218~1 18 w,. . ' methods of r ' ' ~ is relatively simple and thus, 'Iy feasible and trouble frec m operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
An .. 1.1.. 1".. l of the present mvention will now be described, by way of example, m reference to the following drawmgs m which:
Figure 1: m an elevational view, illus~rates a coupling device m accordance with an lo ' " of the present mvention bei~lg used for coupling the bicycle of a child to the bicycle of an adult;
Figure 2: m an exploded view, illustlates a coupling device in accordance with an ... 1",.1... 1 of the present invention;
Figure 3: m a detail view illustrates an rear attachment component part of the coupling device of figure 2 attached to a bicycle tube, the bicycle tube being shov~n in phantom lines;
Figure 4: irl an elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a couplmg dcvice m 20 accordance with an c ~ " of the present invention, the device bemg shown in a q~ wherem it is attached to a single bicycle and it is not being used to pull a second bicycle.
~ ~.A2184~ ~8 Detailed Description:
Referring to figure 1, there is shown a coupling device 10 in accordance with anof the present invention. r~he coupling device 10 is shown being used to couple a first bicycle 12 to a second bicycle 14. The first bicycle 12 is shown positioned ~ulllvv~dly relatively to the second bicycle 14.
The first and second bicycles 12 and 14 are ~_OIlv~ iùllal bicycle. Typically, the first and second bicycles 12 and 14 ll,D~ iV~,ly include first and second frames 16 and 18. The first and second frames 16 and 18 I~D~ .IiV.,ly include head tubes 20, 22; seat tubes 24, 26; main tubes 28, 30 and transversal tubes 32, 34.
The first and second framcs 16 and 18 respectively rotatably support front wheels 36, 38 having respective front axles 40, 42. The first and second frames 16 and 18 also,liv ~ly rotatably support rear wheel s 44, 46 having respective rear axles 48, 50.
A pair of seat stays 49, 51 extends sul~stantially rearwardly and d~wl...~ldly from an upper segment of thc respective seat tubes 24, 26 to the respective rear axles 48, 50 on opposite sides of the rear wheels 44, 46. A pair of chain stays 52, 54 extend s~bsf~ ly rearwardly from a lower segment of the ~espective seat tubcs 24, 26 to the respective rear axles 48, 50 on opposite sides of the rear wheels 44, 46.
~, CA2l~4118 Each respective ~.:UIIIb;lld~iOII of seat tubes 24, 26, seat stays 49, 51 amd chain stays 52, 54 forms a pair of rear supporting structure having a s~bs~ lly triangular ..~"lic,...~l;~.. when the bicycles 12 an~l 14 are seen in an elevational view. The rear supporting structures are adapted to connect ûn opposite sides of the respective rear whecls 44, 46 into respective pairs of opposed rear axle supporting plates 68, 70. The rear supporting structures are adapted l:O support the rear wheels 44, 46 allowing the latter to rotate freely while supporting Ihe rear portion of the respective frames 16 and 18.
Handlebar axles 53, ss are respectively pivotally mounted inside the head tubes 20, æ.
The handlebar axles 53, ss ~ iv~ly extend integrally into forked yokes 56, 58. Each forked yoke 56, 58 defines a ~oll~ olldillg pair of yoke tubes 60, 62. The yoke tubes 60,62 have ~,u~ u~lJillg front axle receiving apertures extending Ih~ llllu_~h adjacent a distal end thereof. The pairs of yo:ke tubes 60, 62 cach form a front supporting structure adapted to rotatably support the front axles 40, 42 of the front wheels 36, 38.
1- " ' 64, 66 are Ic,;"J~,~.liv.,ly securl d to the handlebar a~les 53, 55.
Seat posts 72,74 are ~ I ul,i ,.lly inserted into the respective seat tubes 24, 26. A
20 ~UllCi~Ull-lillg pair of seats 76, 78 are l~ ,liv~,ly attæhed to the distal end of the seat posts 72, 74.
~ ~.Q218~l 18 Drive ' typically taking the form of pedals 73, 75 - ' 'ly coupled to ~111 r ~' ~ chain amd sprocket assen1blies 77, 79 are adapted to drive the respective rear wheels 44, 46.
It should be understood that first and second bicycles 12 and 14 are herein described only by way of example and that the couplilng device 10 could be used with other types of bicycles without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The coupling device 10 includes a lin~ing bar 80. As illustrated more specifically in 10 Figure 2, the linking bar 80 has a generally elongated c~.,.r;~;,.,,,li~." defining a bar first lonp;jtl~in~l end 82 and a bar second kln~i~ " ' end 84. The coupling device 10 also includes first and second bicycle attachment means 86 and 88 for pivotally attaching the linking bar 80 ~ to the first bicycle 12 and the sccond bicycle 14.
The present mvention includes at least t~o main features. One of the main features of the present invention resides in a wheel supl~orting means 90 for supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 in an inoperative position when the device 10 is in use.
Another main feature of the present inv, ntion resides im a bar stabilizing means 92 for selectively stabilizing the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is not in 20 use and on the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use.
~A218~1 18 The first attachment means 86 is prefer21bly adapted to be attached to the seat post 72 of the first bicycle 12. In the preferred ~ ...l-o.l:, ', the first attacllment means 86 includes a first bar attachment component 94 and a first bicycle attachment component 96.
The first bar attachment component 94 t~ypically takes the form of a first forked extension extending integrally from the bar first l~ end 82. The first bar attachment component 94 defines a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart first extension tongues 98.
0 The first extension tongues 98 define a first tongue spacing 100 Ih~ . Each first extension tongue 98 has a first tongue aperture 102 extending lh~.lc;lLuu~ll. The first tongue apertures 102 are substantially coaxially aligned along a first attachment pivoting axis 104.
The first bicycle attachment componen~ 96 includes a cylindrical collar 106 and a first connecting block 108 extending integlally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the collar 106. The cylindrical collar 106 is configured and sized so as to be fittingly insertable around a section of the seat post 72 of the first bicycle 12.
As well known in the art, the collar 106 has a l- li' ' ' slot 109 formed therein for allowing lateral insertion of the collar 106 over the seat post 72. A pair of tightening lips 110 extend integrally and outwardly from the peripheral edges of the slot 108. A
tightening aperture 112 extends througll each lip 110. Thc tightening apertures 112 are ' CA2184~ 18 adapted to receive ( ~, ' tightening ~ -r ' such as the nut 114 and the bolt 116 for tightening the collar 106 around the seat post 72.
The first comnecting block 108 is preferably hollow and is typically made of four relatively short plates that are commectel along their Im~g~ n~l peripheral edges. The first connecting block 108 has a first block aperture 118 extending Ih~ luou~ . The first block aperture 118 is positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with the first attachment pivoting axis 104 when the frst connecting block 108 is positioned in the first tongue spacing 100.
A w~ liOl~al quick rclease-type attachment component 120 is preferably used to pivotally and releasably comnect the first connecting block 108 to the first extension tongues 98. The attachment component includes an first attachment axle 122 having a cam lever assembly 124 mounted at a filst I ~ ' ' end thereof.
A first connecting nut assembly 126 hal/ing ~ ~,ulio~ ,OIII~ SS;OII washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly atta(:hed to the second l~ ' ' end of the first attachment axle læ as is well known in the art. The first attachment axle 122 is adapted to be inserted through both the first block aperture 118 and tlle first tongue apertures 102 20 thus releasably and pivotally commecting the first connecting block 108 to the first extension tongues 98.
CA21841 ~8 As illustrated more specifically in Figu~es 2 and 3, the second attachment means 88 is preferably adapted to be attached to th~ head tube 22 of the second bicycle 14. In the preferred ' ~ , the second attachment means 88 includes a second bar attachment component 128 and a second bicycle attachment component 130.
The second bar attachment component 128 typically takes the form of a second forked extension extending integrally from the bar second l- ~gi~ " ' end 84. The second bar attachment component 128 defines a pair of s~lb~ ly parallel and spaced apart second extension tongues 132.
The second extension tongues 132 define a second tongue spacing 134 Ill~
Each second extension tongue 132 llas a second tongue aperture 136 extending llu~Ju~h. The second tongue apertures 136 are substantially coaxially aligned along a second attachment pivoting axis 138.
The second bicycle attachment component 130 includes a clamping member 140 and a second comnecting block 142 extending integrally and out~vardly from the outer peripheral surface of the clamping meml~er 140. The clamping member 140 is configured and sized so as to be insertable around a section of the head tube 22 of the second bicycle 20 14.
The clamping member 140 includes a filst clamp plate 144 and a second clamp plate 146.
Both the first clamp plate 144 and the s~cond clamp plate 146 are bent so as to define a 3 CA2184~ 18 concavity 148 in their rcspective inner surfaces. The concavity 148 is configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the llead tube 22 of a .:UU~ I ' 'nn~l bicycle.
The first clamp plate 144 has a first plale apertures 15û extending Ih~ ' UUg}l adjacent both of its ~ gitllrlill:~l ends. Similarly, the second clamp plate 146 has a second plate aperture 152 extending ll~ ' U~l acljacent both of its l~...L,il,..l:-,~l ends. Each first plate aperture 150 is positioned so as to be substantially coaxial with a ~,O~ " " g second plate aperture 152 when thc first clamp plate 144 is put ' ' 'Iy in register with the second clamp plate 146.
Each pair of pair of first plate aperture l.50 and ~ u~Omlill~ second plate aperture 152 is adapted to receive a clamp fastening means such as a clamp bolt 154 and a ~llua~ ' g clamp nut 156. The clarnp bolts 154 and clamp nuts 156 are adapted to squee~e the first clamp plate 144 and the second clamp plate 146 around the head tube 22 of the second bicycle 14.
The second connecting block 142 extends from the outer surface of the first clamp plate 144. The second comnecting block 142, like the first connecting block 108 is preferably hollow and is typically made of four relatively short plates that are connected along their 20 lon~itl-rlin~l peripheral edges.
The second connecting b~ock 142 llas a second block aperture 158 extending Ihcu~lluuu~ The second block aperture 158 is positioned so as to be coaxially aligned ~2 1 8~
with the second attachment pivoting axis 138 when the second connecting block 142 is positioned in the second tongue spacing 134.
A .,a.lv~ iollal quick release-type attachment ca~mponent 160 is preferably used to pivotally and releasably conmect the secand connecting block 142 to the second extension tongues 132. The attachment component includes a second commecting axle 162 having a cam lever assembly 164 mounted at a first 1~ ~ ' ' end thereof.
A second connecting nut assembly 166 having 1O~ OI~ DD;UII washers 0 mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the second lon~ l end of the second conneding axle 162 as is well krlown in the art. The second connecting axle 162 is adapted to be inserted through both the second block aperture 158 and the second tongue apertures 136 thus releasably a~d pivotally conmecting the second connecting block 142 to the second extension tongues 132.
Since the device 10 is adapted to be used preferably although not exclusively to attach the bicycle of a child to the bicycle of a~ adult, the linking bar 80 is preferably given a specific geometry adapted to at least partially .. ,~ for the frame and wheel height differences. The lining bar 80 thus preferably has a first bar segment 168 adapted to 20 extend in a generally horizontal diredion and in an overlyirlg ~ iUllDlli~ relatively to the rear wheel 44 of the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is in use.
~ CA21841 1~
The first bar segment 168 bends integrally into a second bær segment 170 adapted to extend s~b~ lti ~lly rearwærdly and duv~l...~dly relatively to the first bar segment 168 when the device 10 is in use. The second bar segment 170, in turn, bends integrally into a third bar segment 172. The third bær segment 17~ is adapted to extend in a cllh~t~ntizllly horizontal direction ænd in æn overlying ' ' . relatively to the fork tubes 62 of the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use.
The length of the first bær segment 168 is such that it extends beyond the reær wheel 44 of the fir~st bicycle 12 when the device 10 is in use. Similarly, the length of the third bar lo segment 172 is such that it extends beyond the distal end of the fork tubes 62 when the device 10 is in use. The length ænd the direction of the sccond bar segment 170 ære such that the main tube of the second bicycle 14 will extend in a ~ 'Iy horizontal direction when the device 10 is in use and the first bar segment 168 and the third bær segment 172 both extend in a generally }lorizontal direction.
~s mentioned previously, one of the main features of the present invention resides m the presence of the wheel supporting meæns 90 for supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 m an inoperative po~,ition when the device 10 is in use. The wheel supporting meæns 90 is secured to the linking bær 80. The wheel supporting means 90 preferably takes the form of a wheel supporting plate 174 secured to the linking bær 80.
Preferably, the wheel supporting plate 174 is secured to the bar first segment 168.
~1 ~ ~A21841~8 The wheel supporting plate 174 has a plate outer peripheral edge 176. A plate slot 178 extends inwardly from the plate outer peripheral edge 176. The plate slot 178 is configured and sized so as to receive the axle 42 of the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14. The co..~. ' locking mechanism used for locking the axle 42 to the distal end of the fork tubes 62 is adapted to be used for releasably locking the front wheel 38 to the wheel supporting plate 174 when the device 10 is used to pull the second bicycle 14. as illustrated in figure 1.
Although the wheel supporting plate 17 ~ is preferably oriented so as to lie in a generally horizontal plane when the device 10 is in use, the wheel supporting plate 174 could be oriented differently without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also the wheel supporting means 90 could take a form other then that of a wheel supporting plate having a slot formed therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as the wheel supporting means pro~ides a means for releasably supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 as the latter is being pulled by the linking bar 80. For example, the wheel supporting means 9D could take the form of an aperture extending transversally through the linking bar 80~ the aperture being adapted to receive the axle 42.
20 As mentioned previously, another main feature of the present invention resides in the presence of the bar stabilizing meams 92 for selectively stabilizing the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is not in use and on the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use. The bar stabilizing means 92 preferably includes a pair of stabilizing ~ CA21841 18 arms 180 that are pivotally attached t~ the linking bar 80 and a pair of stabilizing adapters 182 that are adapted to be fixed to the rear axle supporting plates 68 of the first bicycle 12.
Each stabilizing arm 180 has a generally elongated ennfi~llr~ )n defining an arm proximal end 184 and an opposed arrll distal end 186. Each stabilizing arm 180 is preferably bent ,, '- ",. 1; :~ the arm proximal end 186 and the arm distal end 186, thus defining an arrn proximal segment 188 and an arm distal segment 190.
o Each stabilizmg arm 180 is pivotally attached adjacent its arm proximal end to the linking bar 180. The stabilizing arms 1~30 are preferably attached to an arm attachment block 192 that extends integrally from a ~ower surface of the liking arm 80 at the junction of the bar second segment 170 and the l~ar third segment 172. The stabilizing arms 180 are pivotally attached to the arm attachlnent block 192 by an arm proximal attachment pin 194 that extends through both the stabilizing arms 180 and the arm attachment block 192.
A plurality of arm adjustment apertures 196 extends through each arm distal segment 190. The arm adjustment apertures 1'96 are spaced apart arld aligned l~ ' ' .
20 relatively to each other so as to provide an incremental adjustment means for the releasable attachment of the arm distal segments 190 to the stabilizing adapters 182 and to the fork tubes 62 of the second bicycle 14 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
CA218~1 18 A stabilizing arm attachment component 198, preferably of the quick-release type is mounted in one of the arm adjustment apertures o~ each arm distal segment 190. Each stabilizing arm attachment component 198 preferably includes am axle 200 having a cam lever assembly 202 mounted at a first 1~ ,it " ' end thereof.
A nut assembly 204 having COnVenti,Dnal UCIll~ iUll washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the s~cond l~ l end of the axle 200 as is well known in the art. The axle 162 is inserted through one of the arm adjustment apertures 10 196.
As mentioned previously, the stabilizing adapters 182 are adapted to be ffxed to the rear axle supporting plates 68 of the first bicycle 12. Each stabilising adapter 182 is preferably formed of a flat plate 212 having a generally arcuate I ,. .riL,., _t ,"" Each stabilismg adapter 182 has am adapter peripheral edge 206. Each adapter peripheral edge 206 is pr~Dvided with an adapter notch 208 fommed therein. Each a~lapter notch 208 is configured and sized to receive an axle 200 part of a stabilising arm attachment component 198.
20 Each stabilismg adapter 182 is also provided with at least one amd prcferably two adaptcr fixing apertures 210 extendmg Ill.,l~lhlo..~l. The adapter fixing apertures 210 are preferably positioned opposite the adapter notch 208.
~ CA2184118 The rear axle supporting plates 68,70 clf some w....,lliiullal bicycles are provided with supporting plate apertures 212 extendiDg Ill~ lh~v_~h. The supportmg plate apertures 212 are typically provided to receive the distal erld of supporting legs part of w~ ,U~iVlldl bicycle luggage racks mounted over the rear whee ~ of u v.... I~lio~ bicycles.
The stabilising adapters 182 are adapted tcl be secured to the rear axle supportiDg plates 68 of the first bicycle 12 by a set of adapter bo ts 214 that extend through both the adapter fixmg apertures 210 and the supporting plates ap~r~ures 212. The adapter bolts 214 are kept in place o by w~ io~ll adapter lock-nuts 216.
As mentioned previously, the bar stabilisiDg mearls 92 is provide for selectively stabilisiDg the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when tl~e device 10 is not beiDg used to pull the second bicycle 14 aDd for stabilisiDg the device 10 on the second bicycle 14 when the devicc 10 is bemg used to pull the second bicycle 14.
More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 1, when the device 10 is operatively being used to pull the second bicyde 14, each axle 200 part of the stabilismg arm attachment ~
190 is insertcd mto a, I ' ~ fork end notch part of the fork tubes 62 of the secoDd bicycle 14. The axles 200 are releasably secured m the fork end notches by the cam lever assembly 202 and the nut assembly 2~D4 also part of the stabilismg arm attachment 198. The arm adjustmeDt aper ures 196 are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the stabilisiDg arms 180 to various Wllrl~ldliUllD aDd sizes of bicycles 12 and 14.
A2~841 18 The stabilising arms 180 are thus adapted to stabilise the forked yoke 58 when the latter is no longer supported by the front wheel 38 that normally ~ "S engages the ground surface. Since the front wheel 38 is rem~ved from the second bicycle 14 when the latter is being pulled, thc forked yoke 58 would be loose if left, . l ~ by the front wheel 38.
A user sitting on the seat 78 would thus be unable to use the handlebar 66 for balance smce the handlebar 66 would be free to rotate in all directions. One of the mam functions of the stabilising means 92 is thus to stabilise the handlebar 66 when the front wheel 36 is removed during the pulling operation so that the handlebar 66 may be used for support by the person bemg pulled on the second bicycle 14.
When the device 10 is not bemg used to pull the second bicycle 14, the second bicycle attachment meams 88 is not attached to the second bicycle 14 and, thus, the bar second l-~ ' ' end 84 would drop if left l A~ ' 1 A second function of the stabilising means 92 therefore consists m stabilising and supportmg the linking bar 80 when the laner is not attached to the second bicycle 14.
As illustrated in Figure 4, when the linking bar 80 is not attached to the second bicycle 14, it is prevented from droppmg onto the rear wheel 44 of the frst bicycle 12 by the stabilismg means 92. More specificaUy, the stabilisillg arms 180 are pivoted about the arm proximal attachment pin 194 so that the stabilising arm attachment componcnt 198 attaches to the stabilismg adapters 182 on the first bicycle 12 instead of the forked yoke 58 of the second bicycle 14.
''A21841 18 Each axle 200 part of the stabilismg arm attachment ~ ~ 190 is inserted into a 1.0111 r '' " adapter notch 208.The axles 200 are releasably secured in the adapter notches 208 by the cam lever assembly 202 amd the nut assembly 204 part of the stabilising arm attachment l - -r ' 198. Again, the arm adjustment apertures 196 are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the stabilising arms 180 to various . ,~ .r,c, ,. ,.I ,. . ~ and sizes of bicycles 12 amd 14.
Patellt Application of France Couture for a Coupling Device for Bicycles Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the fielcl of bicycles arld is ~ ulally concerned with a device for coupling a pair of bicycles.
I~a~,h~u. .d of the Invention:
Relatively recent trends towards ecological modes of 1l,."~l,..,1~';.~.. and towards improved fitness through e~ercise have led to a resurgence in the use of bicycles. There also seems to be a relatively recent trend towards group activities and more specifically towards activities performed with other members of the family unit.
t has thus become vl~' frequen~ for an healthy person to go for a cycling ride ' by a child, an elderly person or any other person having limited physical capacities.
I
~`A21~41 1~
Wl~en such a situation occurs, the bicycle ride must either be planned so as to be within the capacities of the weaiker person or frequent restmg periods must be pla~med to allow the weaker person to rest. Both options can lead to frustration since the weat~er person will feel pressured to perform beyond his or her limits, the stronger pcrson will feel restrained amd both persons will be prevented from enjoymg together a relatively long ride.
The prior art is replete with various types of seats for allowmg a child or any other physically weaker person to passively accompany a llealthy rider. Most seats are located above the rear wheel or the handlebars of the principle lider. These designs however have been known to lo raise the centre of gravity of the bicycle am~ to potentially contribute to an upset.
The prior art is also replete with various structures of bicyde trailers allowing a rider to tow one or more children. These structures are i ypically more expensive but offer the advantage of a lower centre of gravity and of ', ' rolling elements for the trailer.
The mam d;DaJv ,, associated with both the seat structures and the trailer structures is that thc child or other weaker person must remain passive throughout the ride. The person bemg carried or towed cam thus rapidly become t~ored. The person bemg carried or towed also does not ~ from the health advantages of physical exercise.
This drawback has been recog[used m US patent 5,067,738 naming Richard J. O'Connor as mventor and issued November 26, 1991. US patent 5,067,738 teaches a single wheeled trailer for cai~rymg an occupant. The frame of the trailer mcludes tow bar members and two ~A21841 18 ~y ' fork members for retairling the sirlgle wheel. A hilch connected to a driving bicycle tows the trailer. A pedal assembly coupled to the frame enables the occupant to power the trailer wheel.
Although the structure disclosed in US patent 5,067,738 enables the occnpant of the trailer to either help power the bicycle or be towecl by the prime mover, it suffers from at least one major drawback. rndeed, the structure d(~es not allow the occupant of the trailer to ride y ~rom the prime mover even for a short period of time.
10 The prior art also disdoses various types of towing bars for coupling two bicycles as a tandem. For eIcample, US patent 4,261,592 issued April 14 1981 and nammg Jacclues Busseuil as inventor discloses a coupling clevice wherein a coupling bar is fixed to each of a pair of bicycle by a universal joint havrng a specific ~ Although these structures circumvent the above-mentioned disad~au~ by allowing the person to be towed to ride ; l.l)r...ll ~1y~ they present still further diD~IdV....~ . First, when the bicycles are coupled, the front wheel of the bicycle being towed even though useless as a steering component still creates a frictional and a drag force that mc.reases the load on the pulling rider.
Second, if the bicycles are eventually separated during thc ride, the coupling device must be 20 disengaged from both bicycles and carlied by one of the riders, a task that is both non ergonomic amd potentially dangerous.
~A21841 18 Third, the coupling device is not well sui~ed to couplmg bicycles ~f different, and sizes as is the case when an adult bicycle is coupled to the bicycle of a child.
Accordingly, there e~ists a need for an ml~rovcd coupling device for bicyclcs.
Summary of the Invention:
It is an objcct of the present mvcntion to provide an improved couplmg device for bicycles.
10 According to one aspect of the prcsent irlvention, there is provided a coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on co~ idil-~ axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames mcluding a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tui~e, said coupling device comprising:
a lirlking bar, said linking bar having a ~enerally elongated, ' ~ ~- defining a bar first lon~if~ end and a bar second l~n~itl ' ' end; a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first !nn~it~ end; a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said 20 second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacer~t said bar second !on~itl.-1in~l end; a wheel supporting means for releasably supporting the front wheel of said second bicycle, said wheel supporting means being positioned ;~ said bar first 1 end and said bar second 1~ Igi~ ' ' end; whereby, when said device is ~ CA2184t~
coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
Preferably, said wheel supporting means includes a wheel supporting plate secured to said linkirlg bar; said wheel supporting plate having a plate outer peripheral edge and a plate slot extending inwardly from said plate outer peripheral edge; whereby said plate slot is adapted to receive the axle of the rront wheel of said seco~d bicycle.
Cc,..v~ ully, the wheel supporting plate is positioned so as to lie in a generally lo horizontal plane when said coupling device is in use.
Preferably, the device further comprises a stabilizing means for stabilizing the handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said bar stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
Cc,l.~,...k,u~ly, said stabilizing meams illcludes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of 20 stabilizing adapters, said stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of said first bicycle; ~ach of said stabilizing arms having a generally elongated ~. ," r~ defimiûg an arm proximal end and an arin distal end, each of said stabilizing arm being pivotally attached adjacent said arm proximal end to said linking ~A21~41 18 bar, each of said stabilizing arm being provided with an arm attachment means adjacent said arm distal end for selectivoly attachi,ng said arm distal end to the forked yoke of said second bicycle and to one of said stabili~:irlg adapters.
Preferably, each of said arm attachment means includes at least t vo adjustment apertures extending through said alm distal segml~nt, said adjustment apertures being in a spaced apart and aligned ltila~iu~lll~ relatively to one another; a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment lo component including am attachment axl~, extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a cam lever assembly mounled at a first end of said attachmcnt axle,a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
C~ . 'y, said linking bar defines a first bar segment, sai~ first bar segment being adapted to extend in a genorally horizontal direction and in an overlying .~ "~l,;l.
relatively to the rear wheel of said first bicycle when said device is in use; a second bar segment extending integrally from said ~ïrst bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segmellt so as to extend sl~h~ ly rear~vardly and d~. I,waldly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use; a third bar 20 segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction ' 'Iy parallel to said first bar segment.
Preferably, said wheel supporting means is secured to said bar first segment.
Preferably, said first attachrnent means includes a first bar attachment component amd a first bicycle attachment ~ou p- '; said first bar attachment component including a first forked extension that extends integrally ~rom said bar first lor~ lrlir~ end; said first bar attachment component defming a pair of substamtially parallel and spaced apart first extension tongues; said frst extensiDn tongues defining a first tongue spacing b~,h.~ -, each first extension tongue having a first tongue aperture extending 10 11l~l1 ' uugh, said first tongue apertures being substantially coaxially aligned along a first attachment pivoting axis; said first bicycle attachment component including a cylindrical collar and a first connecting block ext,nding integrally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of said collar; said cylindrical collar being configured and sized so as to be fittingly insertable around a sectio~l of the seat post of said first bicycle; said collar having a 11 j' ' ' slot formed thereirl for allowing lateral insertion of said collar over said seat post; a pair of tightening lips extending integrally and outwardly from said peripheral edges of said slot; a tightening aperture extending through each lip; said tightening apertures being adapted to receive a bolt for tightening said collar around said seat post; said first connecting block havmg a first block aperture extending 20 Ih~ uo..gh; said first block aperture being positioned so as to ~e coaxially aligned with said first attachment pivoting axis when said frst connecting block is positioned m said first tongue spacing; said first attachment means further comprising a first attachment ~ CA21 8~
cornponent for pivotally and releasably commecting said first connecting block to said first extcnsion tongues.
Cc,u~. ~S/~ said first attachment component includes a first attachment axle having a carn lever assembly mounted at a frrst Irn3j~ ' ' end thereof amd wherein a first attachment nut assembly having cu...~ io.. washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the second lon~ rlin~l end of said first attachment axle; said first attachlnent axle being adapted to be inserted through both said frst block aperture and said first tongue apertures for releasably and pivotally comnecting said first commecting lo block to said first extension tongues.
Preferably, said second attachment means includes a secon~ bar attachment component and a second bicycle attachment, I , said second bar attachment component including a second forked extension extending integrally from said bar second ' end; said second bar attachment component defining a pair of l 'Iy parallel and spaced apart second exte~nsion tongues said second extension tongues defining a second tongue 11-~ ..~, each second extension tongue having a second tongue aperture extending Ih..~ 1., said second tongue apertures bemg sl~hct~ntiz~lly coaxially aligned along a second at~achment pivoting axis; said second bicycle 20 attachment component including a clarnping member and a second connectmg block extending integrally and outwardly frorn the outer peripheral surface of said clamping member; said clamping member being configured and si~ed so as to be insertable around a section of the head tube of said second bicycle; said clamping member including a first ~ ~A218~ 18 clamp plate and a second clamp plate; ~loth said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate being bent so as to define a concavity their respective inner surfaces; said concavity being configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the head tube of a bicycle; said first clamp plate having a first plate ape]tures extending 11,~.~ ' JUæL adjacent both of its 1,,,,~;1,..l 1 erlds; said second clamp plate having a second plate aperture extending tl~ lluuu~ll adjacent both of its longit~ l ends; each first plate aperture being positioned so as to be s..hst~nti~lly coaxial with a co~ ,uol~lil.g second plate aperture when said first clamp plate is put subst~untially in register with said second clamp plate;
each pair of pair of first plate aperture and :UII~ Ulldi~, second plate aperture being lo adapted to receive a clamp bolt amd a ,UIll -r ~ ~ clamp nut; said clamp bolts and clamp nuts being adapted to squeeze said first clamp plate amd said second clamp plate around the head tube of said second bicycle; said second connecting block extending from the outer surface of said first clamp plate; said secondl connecting block having a second block aperture extending IL~ u~ said second block aperture being positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with said second attachment pivoting axis when said second commecting block is positioned in said secorld tongue spacing; said second attachment means further comprising a second commecting component for pivotally and releasably connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
20 Preferably, said second connecting component includes a second commecting axle having a cam lever assembly mounted at a first lon~itl ' I end thereof; a second commecting nut assembly having I , ~;UII washers moumted therein being threadaly attached to the second 1/ ~ " ' end of said second commecting axle; said second connectmg axle "A2t 8~ t 8 being adapted to be imserted through both said second block aperture and said second tongue apertures for releasably and pivo tally connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
According to a second aspect of the in~ention, there is provided a coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bi~ycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on ~;O~ ' v axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tul~e, said coupling device ~
10 a linking bar, said linking bar having a ,,enerally elongated . . ., ,ri~ ., . ,.l ;~.,. defining a bar first Ir~ end and a bar second hmsi~ " ' end; a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attachmg said linking bar t~ said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first l~ end; a second bicycle attachment means fol pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second I ~ ' ' end; a stabili~ing means for stabilizing ithe handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicyde and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said bar stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
Advantages of the present invention mcludli the fact that the coupling device not only enables the occupant of the bicycle being towed to either help power the tandem or be towed by the prime mover but also enables the occupanl: of the bicycle being towed to ride ;~ IY
GA2184~ 18 frorn the prime mover. A child, for example, gomg on a ride with a parent can thus first ride along with the parent with the bicycles uncoupled, and when the child becomes tired, the bicycles c;m be coupled so as to allow the ~hild to rest.
Another advantage is that with the present mvention, when a pair of bicydes are coupled, the front wheel of the bicycle being pulled is removed and passively carried by the coupling device thus reducing frictional amd drag force that would other~vise create an additional load for the pulling rider. Also, since the front wheel of the bicycle being pulled is removed, the risk of that front wheel creating a turning force that could destabilise the tandem is eliminated.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the coupling device is structured so as to stabilise thc handlebars of the bicycle bemg pulled, thus allowing the rider bemg pulled to use the handlebars for support.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that the device cam be removed from the bicycle being pulled and still remain stably attached to the other bicycle. Thus, the bicycles can easily be uncoupled during a ride without the necd for one of the riders to manually carry the couplmg device. r~lL~I.IIolti, the coup:lmg device can remain 1,, '~, attæhed to the pullirlg bicycle thus reducimg the time required to couple the bicycles.
Other more general advantages of the present mvention include the fact that the coupling device cm be readily coupled to mot ~.O...~ iOllal bicycles. It can be Il~ lr~ .1 usmg Il O CA218~1 18 w,. . ' methods of r ' ' ~ is relatively simple and thus, 'Iy feasible and trouble frec m operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
An .. 1.1.. 1".. l of the present mvention will now be described, by way of example, m reference to the following drawmgs m which:
Figure 1: m an elevational view, illus~rates a coupling device m accordance with an lo ' " of the present mvention bei~lg used for coupling the bicycle of a child to the bicycle of an adult;
Figure 2: m an exploded view, illustlates a coupling device in accordance with an ... 1",.1... 1 of the present invention;
Figure 3: m a detail view illustrates an rear attachment component part of the coupling device of figure 2 attached to a bicycle tube, the bicycle tube being shov~n in phantom lines;
Figure 4: irl an elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a couplmg dcvice m 20 accordance with an c ~ " of the present invention, the device bemg shown in a q~ wherem it is attached to a single bicycle and it is not being used to pull a second bicycle.
~ ~.A2184~ ~8 Detailed Description:
Referring to figure 1, there is shown a coupling device 10 in accordance with anof the present invention. r~he coupling device 10 is shown being used to couple a first bicycle 12 to a second bicycle 14. The first bicycle 12 is shown positioned ~ulllvv~dly relatively to the second bicycle 14.
The first and second bicycles 12 and 14 are ~_OIlv~ iùllal bicycle. Typically, the first and second bicycles 12 and 14 ll,D~ iV~,ly include first and second frames 16 and 18. The first and second frames 16 and 18 I~D~ .IiV.,ly include head tubes 20, 22; seat tubes 24, 26; main tubes 28, 30 and transversal tubes 32, 34.
The first and second framcs 16 and 18 respectively rotatably support front wheels 36, 38 having respective front axles 40, 42. The first and second frames 16 and 18 also,liv ~ly rotatably support rear wheel s 44, 46 having respective rear axles 48, 50.
A pair of seat stays 49, 51 extends sul~stantially rearwardly and d~wl...~ldly from an upper segment of thc respective seat tubes 24, 26 to the respective rear axles 48, 50 on opposite sides of the rear wheels 44, 46. A pair of chain stays 52, 54 extend s~bsf~ ly rearwardly from a lower segment of the ~espective seat tubcs 24, 26 to the respective rear axles 48, 50 on opposite sides of the rear wheels 44, 46.
~, CA2l~4118 Each respective ~.:UIIIb;lld~iOII of seat tubes 24, 26, seat stays 49, 51 amd chain stays 52, 54 forms a pair of rear supporting structure having a s~bs~ lly triangular ..~"lic,...~l;~.. when the bicycles 12 an~l 14 are seen in an elevational view. The rear supporting structures are adapted to connect ûn opposite sides of the respective rear whecls 44, 46 into respective pairs of opposed rear axle supporting plates 68, 70. The rear supporting structures are adapted l:O support the rear wheels 44, 46 allowing the latter to rotate freely while supporting Ihe rear portion of the respective frames 16 and 18.
Handlebar axles 53, ss are respectively pivotally mounted inside the head tubes 20, æ.
The handlebar axles 53, ss ~ iv~ly extend integrally into forked yokes 56, 58. Each forked yoke 56, 58 defines a ~oll~ olldillg pair of yoke tubes 60, 62. The yoke tubes 60,62 have ~,u~ u~lJillg front axle receiving apertures extending Ih~ llllu_~h adjacent a distal end thereof. The pairs of yo:ke tubes 60, 62 cach form a front supporting structure adapted to rotatably support the front axles 40, 42 of the front wheels 36, 38.
1- " ' 64, 66 are Ic,;"J~,~.liv.,ly securl d to the handlebar a~les 53, 55.
Seat posts 72,74 are ~ I ul,i ,.lly inserted into the respective seat tubes 24, 26. A
20 ~UllCi~Ull-lillg pair of seats 76, 78 are l~ ,liv~,ly attæhed to the distal end of the seat posts 72, 74.
~ ~.Q218~l 18 Drive ' typically taking the form of pedals 73, 75 - ' 'ly coupled to ~111 r ~' ~ chain amd sprocket assen1blies 77, 79 are adapted to drive the respective rear wheels 44, 46.
It should be understood that first and second bicycles 12 and 14 are herein described only by way of example and that the couplilng device 10 could be used with other types of bicycles without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The coupling device 10 includes a lin~ing bar 80. As illustrated more specifically in 10 Figure 2, the linking bar 80 has a generally elongated c~.,.r;~;,.,,,li~." defining a bar first lonp;jtl~in~l end 82 and a bar second kln~i~ " ' end 84. The coupling device 10 also includes first and second bicycle attachment means 86 and 88 for pivotally attaching the linking bar 80 ~ to the first bicycle 12 and the sccond bicycle 14.
The present mvention includes at least t~o main features. One of the main features of the present invention resides in a wheel supl~orting means 90 for supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 in an inoperative position when the device 10 is in use.
Another main feature of the present inv, ntion resides im a bar stabilizing means 92 for selectively stabilizing the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is not in 20 use and on the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use.
~A218~1 18 The first attachment means 86 is prefer21bly adapted to be attached to the seat post 72 of the first bicycle 12. In the preferred ~ ...l-o.l:, ', the first attacllment means 86 includes a first bar attachment component 94 and a first bicycle attachment component 96.
The first bar attachment component 94 t~ypically takes the form of a first forked extension extending integrally from the bar first l~ end 82. The first bar attachment component 94 defines a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart first extension tongues 98.
0 The first extension tongues 98 define a first tongue spacing 100 Ih~ . Each first extension tongue 98 has a first tongue aperture 102 extending lh~.lc;lLuu~ll. The first tongue apertures 102 are substantially coaxially aligned along a first attachment pivoting axis 104.
The first bicycle attachment componen~ 96 includes a cylindrical collar 106 and a first connecting block 108 extending integlally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the collar 106. The cylindrical collar 106 is configured and sized so as to be fittingly insertable around a section of the seat post 72 of the first bicycle 12.
As well known in the art, the collar 106 has a l- li' ' ' slot 109 formed therein for allowing lateral insertion of the collar 106 over the seat post 72. A pair of tightening lips 110 extend integrally and outwardly from the peripheral edges of the slot 108. A
tightening aperture 112 extends througll each lip 110. Thc tightening apertures 112 are ' CA2184~ 18 adapted to receive ( ~, ' tightening ~ -r ' such as the nut 114 and the bolt 116 for tightening the collar 106 around the seat post 72.
The first comnecting block 108 is preferably hollow and is typically made of four relatively short plates that are commectel along their Im~g~ n~l peripheral edges. The first connecting block 108 has a first block aperture 118 extending Ih~ luou~ . The first block aperture 118 is positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with the first attachment pivoting axis 104 when the frst connecting block 108 is positioned in the first tongue spacing 100.
A w~ liOl~al quick rclease-type attachment component 120 is preferably used to pivotally and releasably comnect the first connecting block 108 to the first extension tongues 98. The attachment component includes an first attachment axle 122 having a cam lever assembly 124 mounted at a filst I ~ ' ' end thereof.
A first connecting nut assembly 126 hal/ing ~ ~,ulio~ ,OIII~ SS;OII washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly atta(:hed to the second l~ ' ' end of the first attachment axle læ as is well known in the art. The first attachment axle 122 is adapted to be inserted through both the first block aperture 118 and tlle first tongue apertures 102 20 thus releasably and pivotally commecting the first connecting block 108 to the first extension tongues 98.
CA21841 ~8 As illustrated more specifically in Figu~es 2 and 3, the second attachment means 88 is preferably adapted to be attached to th~ head tube 22 of the second bicycle 14. In the preferred ' ~ , the second attachment means 88 includes a second bar attachment component 128 and a second bicycle attachment component 130.
The second bar attachment component 128 typically takes the form of a second forked extension extending integrally from the bar second l- ~gi~ " ' end 84. The second bar attachment component 128 defines a pair of s~lb~ ly parallel and spaced apart second extension tongues 132.
The second extension tongues 132 define a second tongue spacing 134 Ill~
Each second extension tongue 132 llas a second tongue aperture 136 extending llu~Ju~h. The second tongue apertures 136 are substantially coaxially aligned along a second attachment pivoting axis 138.
The second bicycle attachment component 130 includes a clamping member 140 and a second comnecting block 142 extending integrally and out~vardly from the outer peripheral surface of the clamping meml~er 140. The clamping member 140 is configured and sized so as to be insertable around a section of the head tube 22 of the second bicycle 20 14.
The clamping member 140 includes a filst clamp plate 144 and a second clamp plate 146.
Both the first clamp plate 144 and the s~cond clamp plate 146 are bent so as to define a 3 CA2184~ 18 concavity 148 in their rcspective inner surfaces. The concavity 148 is configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the llead tube 22 of a .:UU~ I ' 'nn~l bicycle.
The first clamp plate 144 has a first plale apertures 15û extending Ih~ ' UUg}l adjacent both of its ~ gitllrlill:~l ends. Similarly, the second clamp plate 146 has a second plate aperture 152 extending ll~ ' U~l acljacent both of its l~...L,il,..l:-,~l ends. Each first plate aperture 150 is positioned so as to be substantially coaxial with a ~,O~ " " g second plate aperture 152 when thc first clamp plate 144 is put ' ' 'Iy in register with the second clamp plate 146.
Each pair of pair of first plate aperture l.50 and ~ u~Omlill~ second plate aperture 152 is adapted to receive a clamp fastening means such as a clamp bolt 154 and a ~llua~ ' g clamp nut 156. The clarnp bolts 154 and clamp nuts 156 are adapted to squee~e the first clamp plate 144 and the second clamp plate 146 around the head tube 22 of the second bicycle 14.
The second connecting block 142 extends from the outer surface of the first clamp plate 144. The second comnecting block 142, like the first connecting block 108 is preferably hollow and is typically made of four relatively short plates that are connected along their 20 lon~itl-rlin~l peripheral edges.
The second connecting b~ock 142 llas a second block aperture 158 extending Ihcu~lluuu~ The second block aperture 158 is positioned so as to be coaxially aligned ~2 1 8~
with the second attachment pivoting axis 138 when the second connecting block 142 is positioned in the second tongue spacing 134.
A .,a.lv~ iollal quick release-type attachment ca~mponent 160 is preferably used to pivotally and releasably conmect the secand connecting block 142 to the second extension tongues 132. The attachment component includes a second commecting axle 162 having a cam lever assembly 164 mounted at a first 1~ ~ ' ' end thereof.
A second connecting nut assembly 166 having 1O~ OI~ DD;UII washers 0 mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the second lon~ l end of the second conneding axle 162 as is well krlown in the art. The second connecting axle 162 is adapted to be inserted through both the second block aperture 158 and the second tongue apertures 136 thus releasably a~d pivotally conmecting the second connecting block 142 to the second extension tongues 132.
Since the device 10 is adapted to be used preferably although not exclusively to attach the bicycle of a child to the bicycle of a~ adult, the linking bar 80 is preferably given a specific geometry adapted to at least partially .. ,~ for the frame and wheel height differences. The lining bar 80 thus preferably has a first bar segment 168 adapted to 20 extend in a generally horizontal diredion and in an overlyirlg ~ iUllDlli~ relatively to the rear wheel 44 of the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is in use.
~ CA21841 1~
The first bar segment 168 bends integrally into a second bær segment 170 adapted to extend s~b~ lti ~lly rearwærdly and duv~l...~dly relatively to the first bar segment 168 when the device 10 is in use. The second bar segment 170, in turn, bends integrally into a third bar segment 172. The third bær segment 17~ is adapted to extend in a cllh~t~ntizllly horizontal direction ænd in æn overlying ' ' . relatively to the fork tubes 62 of the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use.
The length of the first bær segment 168 is such that it extends beyond the reær wheel 44 of the fir~st bicycle 12 when the device 10 is in use. Similarly, the length of the third bar lo segment 172 is such that it extends beyond the distal end of the fork tubes 62 when the device 10 is in use. The length ænd the direction of the sccond bar segment 170 ære such that the main tube of the second bicycle 14 will extend in a ~ 'Iy horizontal direction when the device 10 is in use and the first bar segment 168 and the third bær segment 172 both extend in a generally }lorizontal direction.
~s mentioned previously, one of the main features of the present invention resides m the presence of the wheel supporting meæns 90 for supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 m an inoperative po~,ition when the device 10 is in use. The wheel supporting meæns 90 is secured to the linking bær 80. The wheel supporting means 90 preferably takes the form of a wheel supporting plate 174 secured to the linking bær 80.
Preferably, the wheel supporting plate 174 is secured to the bar first segment 168.
~1 ~ ~A21841~8 The wheel supporting plate 174 has a plate outer peripheral edge 176. A plate slot 178 extends inwardly from the plate outer peripheral edge 176. The plate slot 178 is configured and sized so as to receive the axle 42 of the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14. The co..~. ' locking mechanism used for locking the axle 42 to the distal end of the fork tubes 62 is adapted to be used for releasably locking the front wheel 38 to the wheel supporting plate 174 when the device 10 is used to pull the second bicycle 14. as illustrated in figure 1.
Although the wheel supporting plate 17 ~ is preferably oriented so as to lie in a generally horizontal plane when the device 10 is in use, the wheel supporting plate 174 could be oriented differently without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also the wheel supporting means 90 could take a form other then that of a wheel supporting plate having a slot formed therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as the wheel supporting means pro~ides a means for releasably supporting the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 as the latter is being pulled by the linking bar 80. For example, the wheel supporting means 9D could take the form of an aperture extending transversally through the linking bar 80~ the aperture being adapted to receive the axle 42.
20 As mentioned previously, another main feature of the present invention resides in the presence of the bar stabilizing meams 92 for selectively stabilizing the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when the device 10 is not in use and on the second bicycle 14 when the device 10 is in use. The bar stabilizing means 92 preferably includes a pair of stabilizing ~ CA21841 18 arms 180 that are pivotally attached t~ the linking bar 80 and a pair of stabilizing adapters 182 that are adapted to be fixed to the rear axle supporting plates 68 of the first bicycle 12.
Each stabilizing arm 180 has a generally elongated ennfi~llr~ )n defining an arm proximal end 184 and an opposed arrll distal end 186. Each stabilizing arm 180 is preferably bent ,, '- ",. 1; :~ the arm proximal end 186 and the arm distal end 186, thus defining an arrn proximal segment 188 and an arm distal segment 190.
o Each stabilizmg arm 180 is pivotally attached adjacent its arm proximal end to the linking bar 180. The stabilizing arms 1~30 are preferably attached to an arm attachment block 192 that extends integrally from a ~ower surface of the liking arm 80 at the junction of the bar second segment 170 and the l~ar third segment 172. The stabilizing arms 180 are pivotally attached to the arm attachlnent block 192 by an arm proximal attachment pin 194 that extends through both the stabilizing arms 180 and the arm attachment block 192.
A plurality of arm adjustment apertures 196 extends through each arm distal segment 190. The arm adjustment apertures 1'96 are spaced apart arld aligned l~ ' ' .
20 relatively to each other so as to provide an incremental adjustment means for the releasable attachment of the arm distal segments 190 to the stabilizing adapters 182 and to the fork tubes 62 of the second bicycle 14 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
CA218~1 18 A stabilizing arm attachment component 198, preferably of the quick-release type is mounted in one of the arm adjustment apertures o~ each arm distal segment 190. Each stabilizing arm attachment component 198 preferably includes am axle 200 having a cam lever assembly 202 mounted at a first 1~ ,it " ' end thereof.
A nut assembly 204 having COnVenti,Dnal UCIll~ iUll washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the s~cond l~ l end of the axle 200 as is well known in the art. The axle 162 is inserted through one of the arm adjustment apertures 10 196.
As mentioned previously, the stabilizing adapters 182 are adapted to be ffxed to the rear axle supporting plates 68 of the first bicycle 12. Each stabilising adapter 182 is preferably formed of a flat plate 212 having a generally arcuate I ,. .riL,., _t ,"" Each stabilismg adapter 182 has am adapter peripheral edge 206. Each adapter peripheral edge 206 is pr~Dvided with an adapter notch 208 fommed therein. Each a~lapter notch 208 is configured and sized to receive an axle 200 part of a stabilising arm attachment component 198.
20 Each stabilismg adapter 182 is also provided with at least one amd prcferably two adaptcr fixing apertures 210 extendmg Ill.,l~lhlo..~l. The adapter fixing apertures 210 are preferably positioned opposite the adapter notch 208.
~ CA2184118 The rear axle supporting plates 68,70 clf some w....,lliiullal bicycles are provided with supporting plate apertures 212 extendiDg Ill~ lh~v_~h. The supportmg plate apertures 212 are typically provided to receive the distal erld of supporting legs part of w~ ,U~iVlldl bicycle luggage racks mounted over the rear whee ~ of u v.... I~lio~ bicycles.
The stabilising adapters 182 are adapted tcl be secured to the rear axle supportiDg plates 68 of the first bicycle 12 by a set of adapter bo ts 214 that extend through both the adapter fixmg apertures 210 and the supporting plates ap~r~ures 212. The adapter bolts 214 are kept in place o by w~ io~ll adapter lock-nuts 216.
As mentioned previously, the bar stabilisiDg mearls 92 is provide for selectively stabilisiDg the device 10 on the first bicycle 12 when tl~e device 10 is not beiDg used to pull the second bicycle 14 aDd for stabilisiDg the device 10 on the second bicycle 14 when the devicc 10 is bemg used to pull the second bicycle 14.
More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 1, when the device 10 is operatively being used to pull the second bicyde 14, each axle 200 part of the stabilismg arm attachment ~
190 is insertcd mto a, I ' ~ fork end notch part of the fork tubes 62 of the secoDd bicycle 14. The axles 200 are releasably secured m the fork end notches by the cam lever assembly 202 and the nut assembly 2~D4 also part of the stabilismg arm attachment 198. The arm adjustmeDt aper ures 196 are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the stabilisiDg arms 180 to various Wllrl~ldliUllD aDd sizes of bicycles 12 and 14.
A2~841 18 The stabilising arms 180 are thus adapted to stabilise the forked yoke 58 when the latter is no longer supported by the front wheel 38 that normally ~ "S engages the ground surface. Since the front wheel 38 is rem~ved from the second bicycle 14 when the latter is being pulled, thc forked yoke 58 would be loose if left, . l ~ by the front wheel 38.
A user sitting on the seat 78 would thus be unable to use the handlebar 66 for balance smce the handlebar 66 would be free to rotate in all directions. One of the mam functions of the stabilising means 92 is thus to stabilise the handlebar 66 when the front wheel 36 is removed during the pulling operation so that the handlebar 66 may be used for support by the person bemg pulled on the second bicycle 14.
When the device 10 is not bemg used to pull the second bicycle 14, the second bicycle attachment meams 88 is not attached to the second bicycle 14 and, thus, the bar second l-~ ' ' end 84 would drop if left l A~ ' 1 A second function of the stabilising means 92 therefore consists m stabilising and supportmg the linking bar 80 when the laner is not attached to the second bicycle 14.
As illustrated in Figure 4, when the linking bar 80 is not attached to the second bicycle 14, it is prevented from droppmg onto the rear wheel 44 of the frst bicycle 12 by the stabilismg means 92. More specificaUy, the stabilisillg arms 180 are pivoted about the arm proximal attachment pin 194 so that the stabilising arm attachment componcnt 198 attaches to the stabilismg adapters 182 on the first bicycle 12 instead of the forked yoke 58 of the second bicycle 14.
''A21841 18 Each axle 200 part of the stabilismg arm attachment ~ ~ 190 is inserted into a 1.0111 r '' " adapter notch 208.The axles 200 are releasably secured in the adapter notches 208 by the cam lever assembly 202 amd the nut assembly 204 part of the stabilising arm attachment l - -r ' 198. Again, the arm adjustment apertures 196 are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the stabilising arms 180 to various . ,~ .r,c, ,. ,.I ,. . ~ and sizes of bicycles 12 amd 14.
Claims (19)
1. A coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on corresponding axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tube, said coupling device comprising:
a linking bar, said linking bar having a generally elongated configuration defining a bar first longitudinal end and a bar second longitudinal end;
a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first longitudinal end;
a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second longitudinal end;
a wheel supporting means for releasably supporting the front wheel of said second bicycle, said wheel supporting means being positioned intermediate said bar first longitudinal end and said bar second longitudinal end;
whereby, when said device is coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
a linking bar, said linking bar having a generally elongated configuration defining a bar first longitudinal end and a bar second longitudinal end;
a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first longitudinal end;
a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second longitudinal end;
a wheel supporting means for releasably supporting the front wheel of said second bicycle, said wheel supporting means being positioned intermediate said bar first longitudinal end and said bar second longitudinal end;
whereby, when said device is coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
2. A coupling device as recited in claim 1 wherein said wheel supporting means includes a wheel supporting plate secured to said linking bar; said wheel supporting plate having a plate outer peripheral edge and a plate slot extending inwardly from said plate outer peripheral edge; whereby said plate slot is adapted to receive the axle of the front wheel of said second bicycle.
3. A coupling device as recited in claim 2 wherein said wheel supporting plate is positioned so as to lie in a generally horizontal plane when said coupling device is in use.
4. A coupling device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a stabilizing means for stabilizing the handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
5. A coupling device as recited in claim 4 wherein said stabilizing means includes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of stabilizing adapters, said stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of said first bicycle; each of said stabilizing arms having a generally elongated configuration defining an arm proximal end and an arm distal end, each of said stabilizing arm being pivotally attached adjacent said arm proximal end to said linking bar, each of said stabilizing arm being provided with an arm attachment means adjacent said arm distal end for selectively attaching said arm distal end to the forked yoke of said second bicycle and to one of said stabilizing adapters.
6. A coupling device as recited in claim 5 wherein each of said arm attachment means includes at least two adjustment apertures extending through said arm distal segment, said adjustment apertures being in a spaced apart amd aligned relationship relatively to one another;
a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment component including am attachment axle extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a carn lever assembly mounted at a first end of said attachment axle, a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment component including am attachment axle extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a carn lever assembly mounted at a first end of said attachment axle, a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
7. A coupling device as recited in claim 1 wherein said linking bar defines a first bar segment, said first bar segment being adapted to extend in a generally horizontal direction and in an overlying relationship relatively to the rear wheel of said first bicycle when said device is in use;
a second bar segment extending integrally from said first bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segment so as to extend substantially rearwardly and downwardly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use;
a third bar segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction substantially parallel to said first bar segment.
a second bar segment extending integrally from said first bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segment so as to extend substantially rearwardly and downwardly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use;
a third bar segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction substantially parallel to said first bar segment.
8. A coupling device as recited in claim 7 wherein said wheel supporting means is secured to said bar first segment.
9. A coupling device as recited in claim 1 wherein said first attachment means includes a first bar attachment component and a first bicycle attachment component; said first bar attachment component including a first forked extension that extends integrally from said bar first longitudinal end; said first bar attachment component defining a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart first extension tongues; said first extension tongues defining a first tongue spacing therebetween; each first extension tongue having a first tongue aperture extending therethrough; said first tongue apertures being substantially coaxially aligned along a first attachment pivoting axis; said first bicycle attachment component including a cylindrical collar and a first connecting block extending integrally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of said collar; said cylindrical collar being configured and sized so as to be fittingly insertable around a section of the seat post of said first bicycle; said collar having a longitudinal slot formed therein for allowing lateral insertion of said collar over said seat post; a pair of tightening lips extending integrally and outwardly from said peripheral edges of said slot; a tightening aperture extending through each lip; said tightening apertures being adapted to receive a bolt for tightening said collar around said seat post; said first connecting block having a first block aperture extending therethrough; said first block aperture being positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with said first attachment pivoting axis when said first connecting block is positioned in said first tongue spacing; said first attachment means further comprising a first attachment component for pivotally and releasably connecting said first connecting block to said first extension tongues.
10. A coupling device as recited in claim 9 wherein said first attachment component includes a first attachment axle having a cam lever assembly mounted at a first longitudinal end thereof and wherein a first attachment nut assembly having compression washers mounted therein is adapted to be threadaly attached to the second longitudinal end of said first attachment axle; said first attachment axle being adapted to be inserted through both said first block aperture and said first tongue apertures for releasably and pivotally connecting said first connecting block to said first extension tongues.
11. A coupling device as recited in claim 1 wherein said second attachment means includes a second bar attachment component and a second bicycle attachment component; said second bar attachment component including a second forked extension extending integrally from said bar second longitudinal end; said second bar attachment component defining a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart second extension tongues said second extension tongues defining a second tongue therebetween; each second extension tongue having a second tongue aperture extending therethrough; said second tongue apertures being substantially coaxially aligned along a second attachment pivoting axis; said second bicycle attachment component including a clamping member and a second connecting block extending integrally and outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of said clamping member, said clamping member being configured and sized so as to be insertable around a section of the head tube of said second bicycle;
said clamping member including a first clamp plate and a second clamp plate; both said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate being bent so as to define a concavity their respective inner surfaces; said concavity being configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the head tube of a bicycle; said first clamp plate having a first plate apertures extending therethrough adjacent both of its longitudinal ends; said second clamp plate having a second plate aperture extending therethrough adjacent both of its longitudinal ends; each first plate aperture being positioned so as to be substantially coaxial with a corresponding second plate aperture when said first clamp plate is put substantially in register with said second clamp plate: each pair of pair of first plate aperture and corresponding second plate aperture being adapted to receive a clamp bolt and a corresponding clamp nut; said clamp bolts and clamp nuts being adapted to squeeze said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate around the head tube of said second bicycle; said second connecting block extending from the outer surface of said first clamp plate; said second connecting block having a second block aperture extending therethrough; said second block aperture being positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with said second attachment pivoting axis when said second connecting block is positioned in said second tongue spacing; said second attachment means further comprising a second connecting component for pivotally and releasably connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
said clamping member including a first clamp plate and a second clamp plate; both said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate being bent so as to define a concavity their respective inner surfaces; said concavity being configured and sized so as to fit around a portion of the head tube of a bicycle; said first clamp plate having a first plate apertures extending therethrough adjacent both of its longitudinal ends; said second clamp plate having a second plate aperture extending therethrough adjacent both of its longitudinal ends; each first plate aperture being positioned so as to be substantially coaxial with a corresponding second plate aperture when said first clamp plate is put substantially in register with said second clamp plate: each pair of pair of first plate aperture and corresponding second plate aperture being adapted to receive a clamp bolt and a corresponding clamp nut; said clamp bolts and clamp nuts being adapted to squeeze said first clamp plate and said second clamp plate around the head tube of said second bicycle; said second connecting block extending from the outer surface of said first clamp plate; said second connecting block having a second block aperture extending therethrough; said second block aperture being positioned so as to be coaxially aligned with said second attachment pivoting axis when said second connecting block is positioned in said second tongue spacing; said second attachment means further comprising a second connecting component for pivotally and releasably connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
12. A coupling device as recited in claim 11 wherein said second connecting component includes a second connecting axle having a cam lever assembly mounted at a first longitudinal end thereof; a second connecting nut assembly having compression washers mounted therein being threadaly attached to the second longitudinal end of said second connecting axle; said second connecting axle being adapted to be inserted through both said second block aperture and said second tongue apertures for releasably and pivotally connecting said second connecting block to said second extension tongues.
13. A coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both said bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on corresponding axles, both said bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of said bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tube, said coupling device comprising:
a linking bar, said linking bar having a generally elongated configuration defining a bar first longitudinal end and a bar second longitudinal end;
a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first longitudinal end;
a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second longitudinal end;
a stabilizing means for stabilizing the handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
a linking bar, said linking bar having a generally elongated configuration defining a bar first longitudinal end and a bar second longitudinal end;
a first bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said first bicycle, said first bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar first longitudinal end;
a second bicycle attachment means for pivotally attaching said linking bar to said second bicycle, said second bicycle attachment means being positioned adjacent said bar second longitudinal end;
a stabilizing means for stabilizing the handlebar of said second bicycle when said linking bar is attached to said second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to said second bicycle, said stabilizing means being mounted on said linking bar.
14. A coupling device as recited in claim 13 wherein said stabilizing means includes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of stabilizing adapters, said stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of said first bicycle; each of said stabilizing arms having a generally elongated configuration defining an arm proximal end and an arm distal end, each of said stabilizing arm being pivotally attached adjacent said arm proximal end to said linking bar, each of said stabilizing arm being provided with an arm attachment means adjacent said arm distal end for selectively attaching said arm distal end to the forked yoke of said second bicycle and to one of said stabilizing adapters
15. A coupling device as recited in claim 14 wherein each of said arm attachment means includes at least two adjustment apertures extending through said arm distal segment, said adjustment apertures being in a spaced apart and aligned relationship relatively to one another;
a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment component including an attachment axle extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a cam lever assembly mounted at a first end of said attachment axle, a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
a stabilizing arm attachment component mounted in one of said adjustment apertures, said stabilizing arm attachment component including an attachment axle extending through said one of said adjustment apertures, a cam lever assembly mounted at a first end of said attachment axle, a nut assembly mounted at a second end of said attachment axle.
16. A coupling device as recited in claim 13 further comprising a wheel supporting means for releasably supporting the front wheel of said second bicycle, said wheel supporting means being positioned intermediate said bar first longitudinal end and said bar second longitudinal end;
whereby, when said device is coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
whereby, when said device is coupling said second bicycle to said first bicycle, the front wheel of said second bicycle is removed from the latter and supported by said wheel supporting means.
17. A coupling device as recited in claim 16 wherein said wheel supporting means indudes a wheel supporting plate secured to said linking bar; said wheel supporting plate having a plate outer peripheral edge and a plate slot extending inwardly from said plate outer peripheral edge; whereby said plate slot is adapted to receive the axle of the front wheel of said second bicycle.
18. A coupling device as recited in claim 13 wherein said linking bar defines a first bar segment, said first bar segment being adapted to extend in a generally horizontal direction and in an overlying relationship relatively to the rear wheel of said first bicycle when said device is in use;
a second bar segment extending integrally from said first bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segment so as to extend substantially rearwardly and downwardly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use;
a third bar segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction substantially parallel to said first bar segment.
a second bar segment extending integrally from said first bar segment, said second bar segment being angle relatively to said first bar segment so as to extend substantially rearwardly and downwardly relatively to said first bar segment when said device is in use;
a third bar segment extending integrally from said second bar segment, said third bar segment being angle relatively to said second bar segment so as to extend in a direction substantially parallel to said first bar segment.
19. A coupling device as recited in claim 18 wherein said stabilizing means is secured to said linking bar adjacent a junction of said bar second segment with said bar third segment.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9517520.4A GB9517520D0 (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1995-08-25 | Device for coupling bicycles |
| GB9517520-4 | 1995-08-25 | ||
| US08/703,374 US5842710A (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-08-26 | Coupling device for bicycles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2184118A1 true CA2184118A1 (en) | 1997-02-26 |
Family
ID=26307635
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002184118A Abandoned CA2184118A1 (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-08-26 | Coupling device for bicycles |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5842710A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2184118A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9517520D0 (en) |
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| US6712376B2 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2004-03-30 | William J. Eberhardt | Quick release clamp and mounting apparatus for detachably securing an object to a bicycle or other device |
| US7234719B2 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2007-06-26 | Curtis Frederick Giese | Bicycle towing device |
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| KR100858038B1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2008-09-10 | 장윤정 | Bicycles connector |
| US20100013187A1 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2010-01-21 | Lonnie Rex Oxley | Bicycle Utility Bracket |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US658406A (en) * | 1896-08-05 | 1900-09-25 | Oscar I Straub | Interlocking bicycle. |
| FR438701A (en) * | 1911-03-21 | 1912-05-25 | Albert Desire Prevot | Coupling device for bicycles and motorcycles |
| CH110030A (en) * | 1924-06-30 | 1925-05-01 | Heimgartner Jos | Road vehicle. |
| SU1756196A1 (en) * | 1990-01-19 | 1992-08-23 | И. Ю. Пичугин | Trasnport vehicle actuated by human muscular power |
| CA2019471C (en) * | 1990-06-21 | 1993-11-09 | Richard J. O'connor | Child powered bicycle trailer |
| US5470088A (en) * | 1993-12-07 | 1995-11-28 | Adams; Delbert J. | Bicycle trailer hitch assembly and bicycle trailer incorporating same |
| US5454578A (en) * | 1994-10-17 | 1995-10-03 | Neack; Lawrence E. | Bicycle towing apparatus |
-
1995
- 1995-08-25 GB GBGB9517520.4A patent/GB9517520D0/en active Pending
-
1996
- 1996-08-26 CA CA002184118A patent/CA2184118A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-08-26 US US08/703,374 patent/US5842710A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9517520D0 (en) | 1995-10-25 |
| US5842710A (en) | 1998-12-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20010827 |